Do you celebrate Halloween? If so why or why not. I've been told by some Christians that Halloween is evil and they don't celebrate it while other Christians do celebrate it.
What is the difference between the two groups within the same religion. How can it be one or the other - shouldn't it be the same across the board?
Tell me why you choose to celebrate it -or- why you don't and what your religion is (Catholic, Athiest, Muslim, Buddism, Christianity ETC)
2006-10-31 04:11:07 · 20 answers · asked by ηιgнт ѕтαя 5 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
Do not think all people calling themselves Christian are Christian.
Some just like the title ....it makes them feel good.
However, they do not wish to really, really live by Christian standards.
Hallowe'en's origins are definitely against New Testament belief.
The dead cannot harm us.
The 'spirits' are really demons bent on doing us harm.
However, some 'christians' like to think it is just harmless fun ....for the children.
You know, there is nothing more 'christian' than scaring the hell out of children!
2006-10-31 04:32:44 · answer #1 · answered by Uncle Thesis 7 · 4⤊ 1⤋
I'm athiest, and for me Halloween has always just been about fun. How many people actually know the story behind Halloween? I don't know very many. I only learned about it like a year ago, not in school or anything. Growing up, Halloween was never a question of religion for my family (nor any others that I knew), so why make it one now?
2006-10-31 12:17:23 · answer #2 · answered by Eve 1 · 2⤊ 0⤋
I am a Christian and the only problem that I have with Halloween is that, I feel, that Halloween is an opportunity to celebrate death, murder and Satanism. Because I am a Christian. and follow Jesus, who came to give life and give it abundantly, I celebrate Jesus every day.
II don't celebrate Halloween but, have no problem with the children dressing in costume (not death) and collecting candy.
It can't be the same across the board because this is a subject that is personal opinion.
2006-10-31 12:23:56 · answer #3 · answered by 4HIM- Christians love 7 · 1⤊ 1⤋
No, I do not celebrate Halloween as a religious holiday. The way that it is celebrated by most people does nothing to glorify the God that I believe.
There are also some aspects of Christmas or Easter that I don't go along with. They have been commercialized and I find the true meaning lost. Even the date is wrong.
I am a Christian
2006-10-31 12:22:54 · answer #4 · answered by paulsamuel33 4 · 1⤊ 1⤋
In answer to your question, "Shouldn't it just be the same across the board?" No. Paul clearly states that we have freedom in Christ. He talks about how one believer may be able to do something (that is not forbidden in Scripture) with a completely clear conscience while another believer, maybe because of upbringing or past experience, would feel guilty and therefore, should abstain from the same behavior.
Some Christians look at Halloween and focus on its origins. They see it as having religious significance because of its past ties to pagan practices. Because of its origins, they feel uncomfortable having anything to do with Halloween.
Other Christians look at Halloween in America and recognize that in our culture it has really no religious signficance. Trick or Treaters do not pray to pagan gods or offer food sacrifices to them. No one is really dressing up to scare away spirits.
I am a Christian (from a Baptist backgound although I attend a non-denominational church) and I let my kids go Trick or Treating. I don't let them dress up as ghouls, witches, or goblins or in bloody, gross, or raunchy costumes because those are simply inappropriate and in poor taste. For me, Halloween has no religious significance, and I have no problem taking part in it in innocent ways. We often go out with other Christian friends and have a good time while all of our kids Trick or Treat together. There is nothing that we do on that night that is dishonoring to God.
My kids think it's odd when someone says, "Do you celebrate Halloween?" They don't see it as "celebrating" any more than we "celebrate" Valentine's Day or "Saint Patrick's Day." We do a few fun things (that have no religious significance) associated with the holiday--not exactly a "celebration."
By the way, Christmas also had its roots in a pagan celebration. The early Christians decided to take that pagan Holiday and give it a positive religious significance. Early Christians did the same with Halloween. They are the ones who introduced the smiling Jack-o'-Lantern (instead of the grimacing one). They placed it in their windows to show that they were Christians.
Yes, there are some things that are spelled out clearly in Scripture as being right or wrong, but there are also many things that are left to individual believers and their walk with Jesus. The Holy Spirit convicts of sin and teaches and prods us in Spiritual Growth.
2006-10-31 12:36:53 · answer #5 · answered by happygirl 6 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Well, my dad is a legalist that doesn't celebrate Halloween for past beliefs. I celebrate it as a fun holiday where we can joke around and get free candy. I don't think we should look at it so seriously. People who celebrate Halloween for the dark and evil meanings it used to have are wrong and i don't believe people should go that far with this holiday.
God Bless!
2006-10-31 12:14:26 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 1⤋
I love Halloween. To me it's just a day to have some extra fun. I don't get where the Satan part comes from. Guess some old guys said hey lets translate this line in the Bible to say Halloween is evil and spread the word through out the land.
2006-10-31 12:15:39 · answer #7 · answered by missgigglebunny 7 · 1⤊ 1⤋
I am a mormon which is a type of christian. I do celebrate Halloween because I believe that celebrating the harvest and giving out candy to children is good. Obsession with death and murder is not good, but that is a small part of the celebration that I don't get into.
2006-10-31 12:15:56 · answer #8 · answered by ChunderHog 1 · 2⤊ 1⤋
I don't celebrate Halloween because of it's evil past. My wife has the same beliefs I do but she doesn't mind Halloween because she says it's not a pagan holiday anymore and it's just for kids now. I guess either argument is good if you are a Christian. There isn't really a Biblical edict about it.
2006-10-31 12:16:18 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 2⤋
We do not. It is personal preference. I know many Christians that do,or have fall fest. I don't give credence to satan or his holidays, or halloween. I think he gets way to much attention as it is.
There is never anything across the board in any culture.
Look at the govt. they are all supposed to be for us "the people". and they can't agree on anything.
Christian, running from religion as fast as I can.....just loving Jesus
2006-10-31 12:20:20 · answer #10 · answered by 2ndchhapteracts 5 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Catholic, and I love halloween. I mean, come on folks. Despite the roots, it is now only associated with candy, costumes, and fun. I really think it's open to everyone.
2006-10-31 12:49:40 · answer #11 · answered by sister steph 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋